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A kaleidoscope of political signs has sprung up along streets in the weeks before the Aug. 12 primary election, and they've generated a fair number of complaints.

Some signs are too large. Some are on public property.

In Neenah, where the focus is on the five Republican candidates for the 55th Assembly District, political signs cannot exceed 11 square feet in residential neighborhoods and 16 square feet in commercial districts. The signs also cannot be placed in the right of way, which is the public area between the street and sidewalk.

Brian Walter, Neenah's chief building inspector, said code-enforcement officers have been busy responding to complaints for illicit signs. The officers typically seek voluntary compliance with the regulations.

"We either call the campaign itself, or if a homeowner has several signs from different campaigns, we will send a note to the homeowner to please move the signs onto their own property and off the right of way," Walter said.

In Appleton, where the focus is on the Republican candidates for Outagamie County sheriff, political signs cannot exceed 16 square feet per lot. That means one 4-by-4 sign or four 2-by-2 signs. They also must be on private property.

Once the political campaign ends — that's Aug. 13 for all but the winners of the primary — the signs must be removed as soon as practical.